Rules to protect online buyers unveiled

PRE-TICKED boxes and other means of tricking consumers into spending more when buying online are to be banned under stricter protection for consumers.

A third of Europe’s consumers shop online, but the number could be much higher with clearer information and greater customer guarantees, according to the European Commission.

The proposed rules would also cut red tape for those selling online and update the law to cover new sales methods, such as online eBay auctions.